Bully behavior means the power distribution is unfair. For example it may be several students against one.

Bully behavior happens repeatedly!

To assist students in knowing if the behavior is bully behavior, they learn to ask themselves three questions:

Is it fair?

How does it feel?

Does it keep happening?

Secondly students learn to REFUSE bully behavior.

Refusing means you do NOT accept it!

Students are taught to consider if it is SAFE to refuse the bully behavior. If a student does not feel safe, they are instructed to get help from an adult IMMEDIATELY!

We want students to learn how to be assertive, rather than aggressive, when addressing bullies.

Studies show aggression only breeds more aggression. It is not effective in reducing or eliminating bully behavior.

Assertive means you express your thoughts in a strong, clear, and respectful way. You let people know what you want in a way that is fair and respectful.

Students learn the following four assertive steps before they address the bully:

Get cool and calm

Stand straight and tall

Look at the person you are speaking to

Say what you mean in a strong, clear, respectful voice

When speaking to the bully, students are taught to:

Label the behavior -- 'That's bullying!"

Say -- "I want you to stop."

Walk away calmly!

Thirdly students learn to REPORT bully behavior.

Students are taught the difference between tattling and reporting.

Tattling is when you want someone to get into trouble.

In contrast, reporting is when you tell an adult about unsafe behavior to keep someone from getting hurt.

Students are taught when they report bully behavior, they need to know four W's:

WHO was involved?

WHAT happened?

WHEN did the bullying occur?

WHERE did the bullying occur?

Students are taught about the power they have as bystanders. Bystanders are people who witness they bully being unkind to the target. Bystander behavior can either worsen or improve a bullying situation.

Rather than being part of the problem, students are encouraged to be part of the solution!